Murrayfield
Rugby
URC
Edinburgh
Score:
52.5
Overview
Murrayfield is one of the better venues for a set-piece club game. Somehow, even when only half
full, it still feels like an occasion. Its smaller stature than other venues, like Twickenham, which also host major club matches means that there is less of a noticeable echo bouncing off empty seats in the higher tiers. If you’re contemplating whether to go to Hampden Park or Murrayfield for a leg of the 1872 Cup, I implore you, even though I am a Glasgow supporter, to choose Murrayfield. You will have a much merrier Christmas if you follow this advice.
Score Summaries
Atmosphere & Experience: 6.5
It’s not as raucous as an international match day, and the fact that Edinburgh-Glasgow matches tend to be grinding, attritional affairs means there’s not much electricity in the air. However, the grandeur of the setting the pleasing sight of 30,000 people turning out for a club game just after Christmas lends a certain gravity to the occasion. The lower tier of the stadium tends to be more atmospheric as it is generally full, while the upper level is empty at either end.
Seats: 9
Having sat all over Murrayfield, I can say with some confidence that there aren’t really any bad seats in the place. Aim for a seat in the West Stand for this fixture if you can because most of the pre-match pageantry is aimed in that direction and, unlike on international match days, it’s somewhat affordable for the 1872 Cup.
Catering: 5
Options available are fairly similar to those on offer during internationals. Sadly, that means food is both overpriced and generally unpalatable. Eat before you arrive. If that’s not possible then avoid the gyros. Queues for food and bars are significantly better given the smaller crowd for the 1872 Cup, which bumps the score up a little. The lack of bar options in the stands themselves is frustrating as it requires you to head out of the stadium to the fan area around the ground if you want a pint.
Facilities: 7
Fairly plentiful and the lines aren’t too long, although you might struggle to manage a wee and a trip to the bar at halftime but that’s largely because most bar facilities are outside the stadium.
Getting There: 9
A short tram journey from Haymarket, or slightly longer from the city centre. Trams are likely to be full, despite the smaller crowd than you’d seen for an international. If you don’t feel like being a sardine, you can walk from Haymarket in 20-30 minutes.
Getting Away: 8
If taking the tram, you’ll likely have to wait a little while and you’ll be uncomfortably squeezed. However, if you’re only travelling to Haymarket that’s not so much of a problem as it’s a very short journey or you can opt to walk if the tram queue looks grim.
Weekend Potential: 8
Not sure what to do with the week between Christmas and Hogmanay (or New Year, if you insist on it)? Here’s your answer. Get yourself out of a turkey and stuffing-induced stupor and get yourself to Edinburgh for the Murrayfield leg of the 1872 Cup. It’s an historic fixture, so it should be on your rugby bucket list. Murrayfield is a great stadium and it’s easy enough to get to that the game won’t take up your entire day if you don’t want it to.
Obviously go to the castle, walk the Royal Mile, and climb Arthur’s Seat if conditions allow. Beyond that, make sure you’re still around at 5pm on Sunday to get to The Tipsy Midgie in time for their Sunday Exploration Flight – a selection of three drams from a single distillery, often including some premium or limited-edition offerings, for the incredible price of £10. Supplies are limited, so be there at opening time to avoid disappointment.
You’ll be spoilt for choice for great food. If you’re in the mood to try haggis, Arcade Haggis & Whisky House on Cockburn Street in the Old Town is a good place to start where you’ll find both meaty and vegetarian haggis, neeps, and tatties available with a range of sauces. Plus, there’s a great whisky list to pair with your meal. There’s also Makars Mash Bar on Bank Street where the haggis is equally delicious and you’re able to select from a range of mash flavours. There’s also an in-house mushroom farm, the produce of which you can sample in some of the dishes.
If you’re not into offal, or the vegetarian interpretation of offal, don’t fear. You can still eat like a king all weekend. For breakfast or brunch, head to Roseleaf Café in Leith. Its extensive menu includes, amongst other delights, a gigantic Scottish breakfast and haggis Scotch eggs served with chips. It’s also a great starting point for a walk along the Water of Leith to Stockbridge, where a plethora of bars, cafes, and restaurants will keep you well fed and watered for the rest of the day. To round off your Edinburgh gastronomic odyssey, head to Pickles on Broughton Street in the New Town for delectable cheeseboards and a fantastic wine list.
Need something to read for the journey home? Argonaut Books in Leith has you covered.